ABILENE, TX – History was made inside Kimbrell Arena on Wednesday night as the McMurry University Women's Wrestling team took to the mat for the first home dual in program history. Facing a lineup from Schreiner University, the War Hawks battled in front of an electric home crowd, ultimately falling 36-13, but not without delivering standout individual performances that brought the fans to their feet.

Bridges Ignites the Crowd
Fresh off her championship run at the Maverick Open, freshman Kailyn Bridges (110 lbs) wasted no time making her mark on home turf. Bridges electrified the arena with a lightning-fast victory, pinning Schreiner's Alyssa Escareno in just 58 seconds. The win gave McMurry its first team points of the night and underscored Bridges' dominance in the early season.

Schmotzer Wins Offensive Showcase
The "Match of the Night" came at 138 pounds, where McMurry's Alexis Schmotzer engaged in a high-scoring, back-and-forth battle with Jacey Kuntz. In a match that featured a barrage of takedowns and reversals, Schmotzer outlasted Kuntz to secure a 21-16 Decision. The victory highlighted Schmotzer's conditioning and ability to score points in bunches.
Zoe Gamboa (160 lbs) also added to the War Hawks' total, securing a victory by forfeit.

Battling Through Adversity
While the final team score favored Schreiner, the result was heavily influenced by three open weight classes (117, 124, 207) that spotted the visitors 15 points.

In contested action, the War Hawks showed grit. Chelsey Upton (131 lbs) fought deep into the third period against Kyllysta Dawkins before falling by fall at the 5:12 mark. Lily Mendez (103 lbs), Brandie Brown (145 lbs), and Alekzandrea Uresti (180 lbs) also represented the War Hawks in the historic debut, gaining valuable experience against conference-level competition.

Head Coach Lance Brown reflected on the historic evening: "Walking into Kimbrell Arena tonight and seeing the support for women's wrestling in Abilene was incredible. We knew giving up forfeits would make the team score tough, but I am proud of how we fought. Kailyn continues to be dominant, and Alexis showed tremendous heart winning that shootout at 138. Tonight was about laying the foundation, and the energy in the building proved that McMurry Wrestling has a bright future."

Match-by-Match Results
Schreiner University 36, McMurry University 13

• 103: Gracie Acosta (SU) def. Lily Mendez (McM) (Fall 1:49)
• 110: Kailyn Bridges (McM) def. Alyssa Escareno (SU) (Fall 0:58)
• 117: Morgan Pinzon (SU) wins by Forfeit
• 124: Janel Golderos (SU) wins by Forfeit
• 131: Kyllysta Dawkins (SU) def. Chelsey Upton (McM) (Fall 5:12)
• 138: Alexis Schmotzer (McM) def. Jacey Kuntz (SU) (Dec 21-16)
• 145: Emma Coyle (SU) def. Brandie Brown (McM) (Fall 2:08)
• 160: Zoe Gamboa (McM) wins by Forfeit
• 180: Tracy Linklater (SU) def. Alekzandrea Uresti (McM) (Fall 2:38)
• 207: Alayna Hetzel (SU) wins by Forfeit

Up Next
The War Hawks will look to bounce back and continue their inaugural campaign when they travel to Tishomingo, Oklahoma, on Friday, November 21, to face Murray State College.